TAMPA, Fla. – The Yankees are changing their appearance for the first time in decades.
Managing General Partner Hal Steinbrenner announced Friday that the team is revising its longstanding facial hair policy, allowing players, coaches, and uniformed staff to wear “well-groomed beards” moving forward. New players will no longer be required to shave upon joining.
Steinbrenner said the decision, which follows years of internal discussion, came after speaking with both current and former players, including Aaron Judge, Gerrit Cole, and Giancarlo Stanton. All supported the change.
“There will be guidelines to maintain a clean, disciplined look,” Steinbrenner noted, adding the team isn’t looking for anything extreme. General Manager Brian Cashman emphasized, “We’re not trying to look like Duck Dynasty.”
The facial hair policy dates back to the 1970s when George Steinbrenner, frustrated by players’ long hair, ordered them to clean up their appearance. Despite occasional rebellion, the rule remained in place until now.
Statement from Yankees Managing General Partner Hal Steinbrenner on the alteration of Yankees facial hair policy: pic.twitter.com/UdEuAg3gZy
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) February 21, 2025
The Yankees’ facial hair policy was deeply influenced by George Steinbrenner’s military background, having attended Culver Military Academy and served as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. In 1978, he explained, “I’m trying to instill a certain sense of order and discipline in the ballclub because I think discipline is important in an athlete.”
From Don Mattingly to Jason Giambi to CC Sabathia, the rule persisted, even creating tension at times. General Manager Brian Cashman recalled, “We brought CC here, and it was a hesitant thing because of the facial hair situation. That’s something when you come here, you have to make the choice.”
When Gerrit Cole joined in 2020, he shaved off his beard before a press conference. Reflecting on the decision, Cole said, “It was cool to be part of that legacy. And now, it’s cool to be part of the new one as well.”
Leave a Reply